2011 Wellness Vision

As a happy, successful, and active post-op bariatric patient, I draw on my talents, life experiences and passions to motivate myself and others to be mentally, emotionally and physically fit.

Goal #1:
I will define my social networking presence by blogging weekly on health, fitness and wellness with an emphasis on cycling, healthy eating and support for weight loss surgery (WLS) patients.

Goal #2: I will enrich my life through interpersonal relationships; growing my bariatric support network; participating in fitness oriented activities; and enjoying my free time with friends and family.

Goal #3: I will live a healthy eating mentality that focuses on bariatric dietary principles, proper nutrition, and satiety rather than relying on restriction signals from my Lapband.

Goal #4: I will improve and share my cycling skills with frequent rides; participating in cycling events; being more involved in cycling organizations; and supporting others through the Spin-Offs.

Goals in Detail

Goal #1: I will define my social networking presence by blogging weekly on health, fitness and wellness with an emphasis on cycling, healthy eating and support for weight loss surgery (WLS) patients.

Measures:

Refocus beariatric.com blog on a healthy active lifestyle for post-op bariatric life

Blog at least monthly about healthy eating.

Blog at least monthly about exercise.

Blog at least monthly on the benefits and enjoyment of cycling.

Motivators: I know from my personal involvement in discussion boards, support group meetings and my cycling that people like to hear from longer term post-op patients. People like my presentations and programs.

Potential Risks/Mistakes: I may overextend myself with this effort. Readers may not find my blog of interest to them.

Structure and Flexibility: I will develop a blog calendar of topics and poll readers for feedback regularly.

Reevaluation: I will track my progress at 3 and 6 months and restructure and refocus as necessary.

Celebration: After 6 months and 1 year of successful blogging, I will celebrate by giving away some promotions to my readers.

Renewal: Continue blogging and refining and growing the blog to maximize its value.

Goal #2: I will enrich my life through interpersonal relationships; growing my bariatric support network; participating in fitness oriented activities; and enjoying my free time with friends and family.

Measures:

Attend my bariatric support group monthly.

Present a program at least once at a support group meeting.

Work on forming a long-term post-op bariatric support group,

Enroll in a spinning or yoga class.

Explore hiking as an alternative outdoor activity.

Return to church on a regular basis.

Motivators: I know there is interest in hearing personal stories and listening to personal experiences. I think my experiences would motivate others. I am ready to try new things. The success of the Spin-offs will help me with a new support group.

Obstacles: Time and conflicts with work and life. Unable to find gym or sports center that is convenient and to my liking.

Strengths/Resources I like to speak and share my experiences. I am open to trying something new.

Support: I am going to find a partner to try the new classes and activities. I am going to convince Brett to return to church and participate in outdoor activities. I will recruit other long-term post-op patients to discuss the formation of a new support group.

Potential Risks/Mistakes: Not liking the new activities and choosing a class/instructor that I don’t like. People have no interest or commitment to join a long-term support group.

Structure and Flexibility: I want to be pretty flexible on this goal. I am open to fitting these activities into my personal time when Brett is out of town. I will also look to others to help in leading the group.

Reevaluation: I will see where I am on June 1 and look for new opportunities if my first attempts were unsuccessful on any of these goals.

Celebration: Blog about my positive experience and encourage others.

Renewal: Continue participating in the activities on a regular basis. Always look for new opportunities to expand this goal.

Goal #3: I will live a healthy eating mentality that focuses on bariatric dietary principles, proper nutrition, and satiety rather than relying on restriction signals from my Lapband.

Measures:

Choose high nutritional foods that are high protein, high fiber; and low fat, low sugar.

Avoid processed foods.

Be conscious of serving sizes.

Eat until I feel full but not uncomfortable.

Eat less red meat, more fish and more vegetarian.

Strive to reach a goal weight of 180 pounds.

Motivators: I want to be a success and lose that extra 10 pounds to prove that I can do it.

Obstacles: Food attraction and past habits reappearing.

Strengths/Resources: I have 2+ years of post-op experience to leverage.

Support: I will continue Weight Watchers at Work. I will be accountable through my blog. I will rely on my support network.